Tipping gear construction



Nov. 20, 1934. M, F, E ARD 1,981,725

TIPPING GEAR CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 14, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l Mal/r12: 6 [AV/rank 3&4,

Gum/M435 1934- M. F. EDWARDS TIPPING GEAR CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 14, 1932 Patented Nov. 20, 1934 burrs STTES 1,981,725 TllPPllNG GEAR CONSTRUCTION Maurice Fred Edwards, Bolton, England ApplicationDeoember 14, 1932, Serial No. 647359 In Great Britain September l, 1932 [9 Claims. (CL ZilS -ZZ) This invention relates generally to tipping gears and refers more particularly to mechanism of this character applicable to a truck for tilting; the body of the latter relative to the frameof the hydraulic hoist interposed between the body and same,

One of the principal objects of this invention is to simplify, render more effiecient and improve generally tipping gear mechanisms by providing a construction embodying'a single hydraulic-hoist operatively connected to the body for selectively tipping the latter rearwardly with respect to the chassis frame as well as toward either side of the latter.

Another advantageous feature of the present invention resides in the provision of amounting for the hydraulic hoist permitting the latter to tilt with the body toward either side of the vehicle about an axis extending longitudinally of the latter, andin addition permits oscillation of the hoist about an axis extendingtransversely to the axis aforesaid.

A further object of this invention is attributed to the novel means employed for conveying fluid under pressure'to the cylinder of the hoist without interfering with rocking movement of the latter about either of the aforesaid axes and without the use of flexible connections.

A still further advantageous feature of the present invention consists of the provision of a posi tive connection between the power-member or piston of the hoist and body of the vehicle. This arrangement insures effective tilting of the body with the minimum amount of power.

In addition to the above, the present invention contemplates a hoist composed of a relatively few simple parts capable of being readily manufactured, assembled and installed. a f

The foregoing as Well as other objects will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a vehicle equipped with a tipping gear constructed in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective View featuring the tipping gear mechanism shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view through the tipping gear mechanism; I

Figure l is a fragmentary sectional View ilsis frame is and body-11 suitably supported upon tlrie frame. In general',the body is tilted relative to the frame in anyone of the three desired directions by the provision of a single piston-type recti'on by fiuid under pressure effects a tipping of the body toward either side of the vehicle or toward the rear of the same. The direction of 6 the body tips upon actuation of the hydraulic hoist depends upon which of the connections between the body and frame are released. For example, if it is desired to tip the body rearwardly, the connections between the latter and frame at the forward end are released compelling the body to tip in the aforesaid direction upon operation of the hydraulic hoist; On the other hand, tipping of the body toward either side of the vehicle upon of. Each of the supporting units 14 is preferably 8 formed of angle bars 15 spaced from each other longitudinally of the vehicle frame and having the ends thereof extending laterally beyond opposite sides of the frame. The free ends of each of the units 14 are detachably connected to the body 11 by means of two pairs of brackets 16 and 17 respectively secured to the front-and rear end portions of the body. The lower ends of the bracketsllfi are fashioned to form half bearings l8 journaled intermediate the members 15 forming the front body supporting unit --14 upon pins 19 anchored to theends of saidmembers with their axes extending longitudinally of the vehicle. Accidental displacement of the brackets 17 from the pins 19 is prevented by means of suitable removable fastener elements 20 extending transversely through the bearing portions 18 of the brackets below the pins 19.

The rear brackets 1'? are also fashioned at the lower ends to form half-bearing portions'21 in axial alignment with the bearing portions '18 hereinbefore described and adapted to oscillate about pins 22 anchored in the free ends of the members 15 forming the rear supporting unit 14 with the axes thereof also in substantial alignment with the axes of the pins 19. The brackets 1'7 are also detachably secured in position upon the supporting unit 14 by means of removable fastener elements 23 extending transversely through the bearing portions 21 of the brackets beneath the pins 22. As will be apparent from the drawings, the set of brackets 17 differ from the brackets 16 hereinbefore described in that the bearing portions 21 are curved in the direction of the longitudinal axes thereof as indicated at 24 so as to permit the desired end-tipping of the body.

With the construction as thus far described, it will be apparent that when it is desired to tip the body toward the side of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, the fastener elements 20 and 23 associated with the brackets at th opposite side of the body are removed so as to permit the latter t5 swing upwardly relative to the frame. By removing the fastener elements 20 and 23 associated with the aforesaid brackets, the body is of course free to tip in a direction opposite to the one shown in the above figure. On the other hand, if it is desired to tip the body rearwardly, the fastener elements 20 associated with the front pair of brackets 16 are removed, thereby compelling the body to tilt in a rearward direction upon operation of the hydraulic hoist about to be described.

As previously stated, a single piston-type hydraulic hoist is provided for positively tipping the body in any one of the aforesaid directions, and in order to insure unobstructed tipping of the body about its several connections with the minimum resistance, I provide a mounting for the hoist permitting free oscillation of the latter about an axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle frame as well as about an axis extending transversely of the latter. As shown particularly in Figure 3, the hoist is carried by a subframe 25 interposed between the body and chassis frame 12.

In detail, the subframe comprises laterally spaced members 26 extending longitudinally of the vehicle frame and secured together at opposite ends by suitable cross members 27 interposed therebetween. Each of the cross members 27 is provided with axially aligned trunnions 28 projecting outwardly from the cross members centrally of the latter and journaled in suitable bearings 29 fixed to the chassis frame 12. In the specific embodi- "ment of the invention, the trunnion at the forward end of the subframe is carried by a cross member 30 fixed to the sills 12 of the chassis frame, while the bearing for the rear trunnion is secured directly to one of the members 15 of the rear body supporting unit. The bearings 29 are so arranged upon the chassis frame that the common axis thereof assumes a position in a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center line of the chassis frame, and, as a consequence, parallel to the axes about which the body tips toward either side of the frame. In other words, the aforesaid. mounting is such as to permit free rocking movement of the subframe toward either side of the vehicle depending upon the direction the body of the latter is tipped relative to the frame of the same.

The hydraulic hoist provided for tipping the body in the foregoing directions is designated generally herein by the reference character 33 'and comprises a fluid cylinder 34 extending longitudinally of the subframe 25 between the side rails 26 thereof. As previously stated, the hoist is mounted upon the subframe, and for accomplishing this result, suitable trunnions 35 are formed on the cylinder at the forward end thereof. The trunnions extend laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the cylinder and are journaled in suitable bearings 36 carried by the aforesaid side rails 26. Reciprocably mounted within the cylinder 34 for movement in the direction of length of the vehicle is a piston 37 having a connecting rod 38 secured thereto and extending rearwardly out of the rear end of the cylinder for connection with the body.

The rear end of the rod is operatively connectedto the underside of the body substantially centrally of the latter so that movement of the piston 37 from its rearwardmost position forwardly effects a tipping of the body in one of the three aforesaid directions depending upon which of the connections heretofore described between the body and frame are released. Specifically, the connection between the rear end of the rod 38 and body comprises bell crank levers 40 positioned upon opposite sides of the cylinder and having arms 41 extending downwardly from the rear ends of the arms 42 at right angles to the latter. The levers 40 are arranged in parallel vertical planes between the side rails 26 of the subframe 25, and the portions thereof intermediate the arm are pivotally connected as at 43 to the subframe 25 for oscillation about an axis transverse to the direction of reciprocation of the piston in the hydraulic hoist. The arms 42 extend forwardly from the pivotal connection aforesaid and the free ends thereof are integrally connected to the free ends of the arms 41 so as to impart the desired rigidity to the levers. The arms 41 extend downwardly from the pivotal mounting 43 for the levers, and the free ends of the arms are connected together by means of a pin 44 pivotally connected intermediate the ends to the rear end of the connecting rod 38. With the construction as thus far described, it will be apparent that forward movement of the piston relative to the cylinder will effect a rocking movement of the bell crank levers about their pivotal connection 43 with the subframe in a direction to raise the free ends of the arms 42.

The free ends of the arms 42 are positively connected to the underside of the body substantially centrally thereof so as to tip the body upon actuation of the piston in the manner specified above. The connection between the body and free ends of the arms 42 of the levers comprises a link 45 universally connected to the underside of the body substantially centrally thereof by means of the ball and socket joint 46 and having a yoke portion 4'7 at the lower through the medium of the positive connection It will further be obformed by the link 45. served that the lifting force is applied to the body without unduly straining any of the parts of the tipping gear mechanism or vehicle since the hydraulic cylinder assembly as well as the connections between the latter and body are mounted upon the subframe so as to tilt with the body toward either side of the body. Furthermore, the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted for rocking movement about an axis extending parallel to the axis of pivotal connection of the levers 40 so as to compensate for the are through which the free end of the connecting rod 38 travels during the actuation of the levers 40. In addition, the upper end of the link connecting the levers 40 with the body is mounted for universal movement relative to the latter so as to compensate for the spacing between the axes about which the body tilts toward either side of the vehicle and the axis of oscillation of the subframe. By virtue of the foregoing, the tipping gear mechanism is in effect automatically adjustable upon tilting the body and assumes the most advantageous positions relative to the body throughout movement of the latter. I

The piston within the cylinder is positively moved in the direction to tip the body by fluid under pressure, and inasmuch as any orthodox pump and fluid control system may be employed for supplying fluid. under pressure to the cylinder, it is believed unnecessary to illustrate or'describe the same herein. However, one of the features of the present invention resides in the means whereby fiuid under pressure is actually conducted to the cylinder and returned from the latter to the source of supply without instituting flexible connections or interfering with the rocking movements of the tipping gear mechanism. The foregoing is accomplished herein by forming an axially extending passage in the trunnion 28 at the front end of the subframe and conveying fluid under pressure from a suitable source of supply to the forward end of the passage 50 through a stuffing box 51 of any suitable design. The rear end of the passage 50 is arranged in communication with a conduit 53 which in turn communicates with the outer end of a passage 54 extending axially through one of the transverse trunnions 35 on the cylinder 54. The inner end of the passage 54 communicates with the forward end of the cylinder by means of a conduit 55 so as to supply fluid under pressure from the source of supply axially through the several trunnions to the cylinder in rear of the piston. Upon discontinuing the supply of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and opening a suitable relief valve (not shown), the fluid in rear of the piston exhausts through the same system of passages, with the result that the body will be lowcred at a speed depending upon the rate ofexhaust of the fluid in the cylinder.

Thus, from the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided a three-way tipping gear mechanism composed of a relatively few simple parts and capable of being inexpensively-manufactured, assembledand installed. It will further be observed from the previousdescription that although my improved tipping gear mechanism is relatively lightin weight by virtue of the relatively few parts involved, nevertheless, it possesses ample strength, power and dependability for all practical purposes.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. A tipping gear for trucks having a frame, a body supported upon the frame for side and end tipping relative to the latter, means for tilting the body in either of the aforesaid directions including a hydraulic hoist having a fluid-operated piston movable lengthwise of the body and operatively connected to the latter, and a mounting for the hoist on the frame permitting the hoist to oscillate simultaneously about an axis extending longitudinally of the body and about an axis extending transversely of the axis aforethe body in either of the aforesaid directions in-- cluding a hydraulic hoist extending lengthwise of the chassis frame and having the opposite ends operatively connected to the subframe for pivotalmovement about axes extending transversely of the axis of rocking movement of the subframe.

3. A tipping gear for truckshaving a chassis I frame, a body supported upon the chassis frame for side and end tipping relative to the latter,-

a subframe mounted upon the chassis frame for a rocking movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the frame, means for tilting the body in either of the aforesaid directions including a hydraulic hoist having a cylinder and a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder, means connecting one end portion of the cylinder to the I subframe for pivotal movement relative to the latter about an axis extending transverse to the axis of rocking movement of the same, a member rockably mounted upon the subframe about an axis parallel to the transverse axis aforesaid and having a portion spaced from the axis of oscillation thereof operatively connected to the piston through the end of the cylinder opposite the pivotal support for the latter to the subframe, and means operatively connecting said member to the body.

4. A tipping gear for trucks having a chassis frame,abodysupporteduponthe chassis frame'for side and end tipping relative to the latter, a subframe mounted upon the chassis frame for rocking movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the chassis frame, a hydraulic hoist comprising a cylinder mounted at one end upon the subframe for pivotal movement about an axis extending transverse to the axis of rocking movement of the subframe and having a piston reciprocably mounted therein, a member mounted intermediate its ends upon the subframe for rocking movement about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of pivotal movement of the cylinder, means operatively connecting one end portion of said member to the piston in the cylinder through the end of the latter opposite the pivotal com1ection of the same to the subframe, and means operatively connecting the opposite end of said member to the body.

5. A tipping gear for trucks having a chassis frame, a body supported upon the chassis frame for side and end tipping relative to the latter, a

' and having the free ends respectively connected to the underside of the body andto the end of said hoist opposite the end aforesaid thereof.

6. A tipping gear for trucks having a chassis frame, a body supported upon the chassis frame for tipping movement toward either side and toward the rear of the frame, a subframe mounted upon the chassis frame for rocking movement about an axis parallel to and spaced equal distances from the axes about which the body tips toward either side of the chassis frame, and means for tilting the body in either of the aforesaid directions including a hydraulic hoist extending in the direction of the subframe and pivotally connected to the latter for swinging movement relative thereto about an axis extending transversely to the axis of rocking movement of the subframe.

7. A tipping gear for trucks having a chassis frame, a body supported upon the chassis frame for tipping movement toward either side and toward the rear of the frame, a subframe mounted upon the chassis frame for rocking movement about an axis parallel to and spaced equal distances from the axes about which the body tips JOWald either side of the chassis frame, a hydraulic hoist mounted upon the subframe for swinging movement relative thereto about an axis extending transversely of the axis of rocking movement of the subframe, a member having one end connected to the body centrally thereof for universal movement relative thereto, and means also carried by the subframe for establishing a connection between the opposite end of said member and the hydraulic hoist.

8. A tipping gear for trucks having a chassis frame, a body supported upon the frame for side and end tipping relative to the latter, a subframe interposed between the body and chassis frame and mounted upon the latter for rocking movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the same, a hydraulic hoist having a cylinder connected at one end to the subframe for swinging movement relative thereto about an axis extending transversely of the axis of rocking movement of the subframe and having a piston-reciprocably mounted in said cylinder, a bell crank lever mounted intermediate its-ends upon the subframe for swinging movement about an axis substantial- 1y parallel to the axis of pivotal movement of the cylinder, means connecting one arm of the bell crank lever to the piston through the end of the cylinder opposite the pivotal comiection of the latter to the subframe, and means connecting the other arm of the bell crank lever to the underside of the body.

9. A tipping gear for trucks having a chassis frame, a body supported upon the chassis frame for side and end tipping relative to the latter, a subframe extending in the direction of length of the chassis frame and mounted upon the latter for rocking movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the same, a hydraulic hoist having a cylinder pivotally connected to the subframe for swinging movement about an axis extending transversely of the axis of rocking movement of the subframe and having a piston reciprocably mounted therein, a pair of bell crank levers spaced from each other transversely of the chassis frame and pivotally connected intermediate the ends thereof to the subframe for swinging movement about a common axis parallel to the axis of pivotal movement of the cylinder, means pivotally connecting the free end of complementary arms of the bell crank levers to the piston in the cylinder through the end of the latter opposite the pivotal connection of the same to the subframe, a member having one end connected to the body for universal movement relative thereto and having a yoke portion at the rear end operatively con-' 

